Acupuncture

PCU College's Acupuncture program is a condensed version of four-year acupuncture programs offered at TCM universities in China. The unique program trains students in the ancient art of acupuncture and gives them a solid foundation in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Along with TCM subjects, such as the philosophy, meridians and acupoints, students learn about physiology, anatomy, microbiology and Western Medical diagnosis. The Acupuncture program is a continuation of the foundation built from the Tuina/Anmo (Chinese Massage) program.

Students are able to observe the operations of a TCM clinic through their supervised Clinical Placements. They gain hands on experience in clinical skills such as interviewing patients, diagnosis, treatment and formulating herbal prescriptions.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Acupuncture

PROGRAM COURSES

Quarter 1

W300 - Medical Tests and Diagnosis

In this course, students will learn how to identify the body of knowledge that deals with the various pathological manifestations (symptoms and signs) or data, how to look and compile them into syndromes and how to interpret them. Topics such as interpreting basic medical laboratory and imaging test results and understanding and applying basic techniques in medical examination are covered.

W220 - Principles of Biomedical Science III

This is the last in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. In this course, students will continue to learn the nature of diseases and their causes, processes, developments and consequences, and commonly used drugs.

W210 - Principles of Biomedical Science II

This course will examine the basic principles of biochemistry. Fundamentals of organic and cellular chemistry will be presented, focusing on chemical interactions within living cells that form the foundation of all life processes. Students will become familiar with structures, functions, and properties of various molecules important in the daily mechanism of the human body. These principles are important for understanding common health problems. This is the second in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. This course introduces general principles and terminologies of pharmacology and pathology. Students will learn the common classification of drugs along with their uses and effects, the nature of diseases and their causes, processes, developments and consequences.

W200 - Principles of Biomedical Science I

This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. This course covers the biochemical structure and nutritive values of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals and describes mechanisms of hemostasis by metabolic reactions inside cells. Student will also learn microbiology as the study of microscopic organisms (unicellular, multi-cellular or acellular) and the human immune system that protect the body against foreign cells and microbes.

W160 - Musculoskeletal Anatomy

This course introduces the skeletal and muscular structures of the human body. Of particular importance are the anatomical landmarks and terminologies used to describe the musculoskeletal system. In this course, actual hands-on palpation will be employed to identify anatomical structures and landmarks, and anatomically dangerous areas for needling are discussed.

W120 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Building on the anatomical knowledge acquired in W110, students will study the functions and regulations of organ systems in this course. Specific attention will be placed on the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The physiology of exercise and energy metabolism will also be discussed. This is the second in a series of two courses which introduces the structure and function of the human body. Students will continue to learn topics in endocrine control, the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, immune response, and reproduction.

T280 - Practice Management and Regulations

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage a proper clinical practice. The course introduces legal, ethical, and compliance regulations as prescribed by the CTCMA and the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Topics involving professional communication between healthcare professionals are also covered in this course.

T260 - Patient Counselling

This course introduces the principles, techniques, and ethical considerations in patient counseling. Students will learn how to effectively communicate and counsel their patients, while maintaining professional and ethical relationships with patients.

T200 - TCM Diagnosis

In this course, students by integrating the concepts and techniques studied in previous TCM courses will learn fundamentals of how to correctly devise TCM diagnosis. Students will practice identifying underlying TCM pattern(s), etiology, and pathogenesis involved in TCM diagnosis, drawing up general treatment plans and educating patients with concept of prevention, diet and exercise.

T170 - Chinese Pinyin

This course introduces how to read and write Standard Chinese Pinyin (a system of transcribing Standard Chinese using the Latin alphabet) and simple conversation in Chinese. The course content and vocabulary focus on TCM terminologies.

T160 - Qi Gong & Tai Ji Quan

Rehabilitation is important to a patient's successful recovery. This course introduces TCM rehabilitation exercises, Qi Gong or Tai Ji Quan. Students will learn the basic set of movements or routines in Qi Gong or Tai Ji Quan.

T120 - TCM Pattern Differentiation

This course introduces the principles of TCM pattern differentiations based on information collected from the TCM four diagnostic methods. These include eight principles (exterior-interior, excess-deficiency, heat-cold, Yin-Yang), pattern differentiation according to the pathogenic factors, pattern differentiation according to Qi, blood and body fluids, pattern differentiation according to Zangfu organs, pattern differentiation according to meridians, pattern differentiation according to the six channels (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin), and pattern differentiation according to the four levels (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue) and the three Jiao. Students will also learn differences and similarities among different pattern differentiation methods.

T110 - TCM Diagnostic Methods

This course introduces four diagnostic methods commonly used in TCM. These include Wang Zhen (observing), Wen Zhen (inquiring), Wen Zhen (listening and smelling) and Qie Zhen (palpating). Students will study the techniques of collecting relevant information, analyzing the clinical importance of the information and why and how such pathophysiological changes occur.

H260 - TCM Dietary Therapy

This is the first in a series of three courses that introduces general theories of TCM herbal formulae. In this course, students will study TCM herbal formulae classification, general treatment principles in TCM herbal formulae, the principles of organizing TCM herbal formulae and the administration of TCM herbal formulae.

H110 - TCM Herbology II

This is the second in a series of three consecutive courses and continues with the detailed study of individual herbs including their properties, functions, indications, contraindications, interactions, and administration. Herbs in the categories of removing wind-dampness, transforming dampness, leaching out dampness, warming the interior, regulating Qi, reducing food stagnation, eliminating parasites, and stopping bleeding are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.

H100 - TCM Herbology I

This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces the theories of TCM herbology. This course introduces safe herbal procedures and processes, the classification of TCM herbs, properties and functions of TCM herbs, interactions between herbs and other compounds, indications, contraindications and the general administration of herbs. Herbs in the categories of resolving the exterior, clearing heat, and purging are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.

C300B - Supervised Clinical Practice 3B

In this clinical training course, students will learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM herbal and/or acupuncture treatment under supervision of the instructor. Students along with peers and the instructor will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan before and after each session.

C300A - Supervised Clinical Practice 3A

In this clinical training course, students will continue to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under direct supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and acupuncture treatment under direct supervision of the instructor.

C250B - Supervised Clinical Practice 2B

In this clinical training course, students will continue to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under direct supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and acupuncture treatment under direct supervision of the instructor.

C250A - Supervised Clinical Practice 2A

In this clinical training course, students will begin to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under direct supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and acupuncture treatment under direct supervision of the instructor.

C200 - Introduction to Clinical Practice

In this clinical training course, students will observe and learn general operation of the TCM clinic - general care of patients and clinical management. Students will learn maintenance of a safe work environment, emergency response, clinical protocols, professionalism, consultation and counseling skills, maintenance of a clinical record for a patient, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. In simulated clinical environment and under direct supervision of the supervising instructor, students will also work with peers to practice safety measures, patient assessment, TCM diagnosis, and acupuncture and/or TCM herbal treatment.

A400 - Advanced Acupuncture Techniques

This course introduces some of traditional and modern acupuncture techniques. Students will study selected topics from Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Spiritual Pivot) regarding characteristics of "the nine needles" and their associated techniques. Students will also learn "time acupuncture" techniques (such as Zi Wu Liu Zhu (midnight-noon ebb-flow), Ling Gui Ba Fa (eight methods of the mystic turtle) and Fei Teng Ba Fa (eight methods of flying and jumping)), some of modern micro acupuncture techniques (such as wrist, hand, foot, eye, nose and abdominal acupuncture), and basic theories of point injection, laser acupuncture and ultrasound treatment. This course also introduces the ideas and teachings of well-known acupuncturists.

A460 - Acupuncture Summary

This course summarizes essential concepts in acupuncture and TCM foundation and diagnosis. Contents provide students with comprehensive preparation for the Pan-Canadian Written and Clinical Case-study Examinations for Acupuncturists.

A340 - Acupressure Tuina

This course introduces the Chinese method of therapeutic massage, which deals with Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood and the internal organs. This course covers the basic principles of Tuina and highlights the functions, indications and contraindications of specific manipulation techniques. Students will also learn how to create Tuina treatment plans for patients.

A310 - Acupuncture Therapy II

This is the second in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course along with the last in the series introduce definition, etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM internal (urogenital, neurological, infectious and immunological diseases) and gynecological conditions.

A300 - Acupuncture Therapy I

This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course introduces general actions and indications of acupuncture treatment, general acupuncture treatment principles, and general principles of acupuncture point prescriptions. In this course, students will also learn definition, etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM internal conditions (digestive, cardiopulmonary, infectious, psychiatric, geriatric, endocrine, and immunological diseases).

A230 - Acupuncture Therapy I

This is first course detailing treatment of disease using acupuncture. The course begins the detailed study of the principles of acupuncture point prescription and treatment methods. Students will analyze and differentiate pathological conditions particular to the internal organs of the body and establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. The general principles of acupuncture treatment, composition of acupoint prescriptions, and theories for combining acupoints, are introduced in this course. The course will also cover infectious diseases, such as TB and Malaria; geriatric conditions such as senile dementia; and addictions such as smoking withdrawal syndrome

A220 - TCM and Acupuncture Safety

This course introduces safety issues involving TCM and acupuncture practice. This course covers topics in infection prevention and control, safe procedures and processes in acupuncture and herbs, clean needle techniques and risk management. Students will also study the bylaws and regulations of regulatory bodies.

A200 - Basic Acupuncture Techniques

This course introduces various techniques in acupuncture and moxibustion. Students will learn various needling techniques (such as Nei Jing's supplementing and draining techniques, setting the mountain on fire and penetrating the sky's coolness), moxibustion, cupping and Guasha (scrapping) techniques. Students will also study the theories of electro-acupuncture, point injection, scalp (WHO standard) and auricular acupuncture.

A180 - TCM Tuina

This course introduces basic principles, manipulation techniques, functions, indications and contraindications in TCM Tuina, which is a form of TCM manipulative therapy. Students will also learn how to draw up Tuina treatment plans for patients and how to apply manipulation techniques to ease or treat various conditions.

A120 - Acupuncture Meridians Pointology III

This is the last in a series of three courses, and students will continue to learn the detailed study of Jingluo (channels and collaterals) and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points. In this course, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Channel, Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, Foot Jueyin Liver Channel, Ren (Conception) Mai, Du (Governing) Mai, and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points are introduced. Students will also learn extraordinary meridians of Chong, Dai, Yin and Yang Wei and Yin and Yang Qiao and commonly used extra acupuncture points which do not have pertaining Jingluo.

A110 - Meridians & Acupoints II

This course includes the detailed study of locating acupoints on the Bladder and Du channels, by palpating the spinal processes, as well as the acupoints on the Triple Burner, Liver and Ren channels. It also covers the pathways of the eight extra channels and extraordinary points as well. Students will be provided with a detailed understanding of the acupoints that require special precautions.

A101 - Meridians & Acupoints I

This course introduces the meridian theory and the acupuncture points. It covers the Qi flowing pattern, pathways of the main meridians and extra meridians, and acupoints on the 14 meridians. Specific therapeutic properties and special category groupings are introduced including methods of locating acupoints by proportional measurement, anatomical landmarks, and finger measurement. The ability to accurately locate acupuncture points is built up through lectures, demonstration and hands-on practice. The course includes detailed study of acupoints, including their locations, functions and indications in the Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, and Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Kidney, and Pericardium meridians.

H120 - TCM Herbology III

This is the last in a series of three courses and continues with the detailed study of individual herbs including their properties, functions, indications, contraindications, interactions, and administration. Herbs in the categories of promoting circulation of blood and transforming blood stagnation, transforming phlegm and stopping coughing, calming the spirit, pacifying liver and tranquilizing wind, opening the orifices, supplementing, stabilizing and binding, inducing vomiting and external use are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.

A320 - Acupuncture Therapy III

This is the last in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course continues to explore etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM pediatric, external (musculoskeletal, infectious, endocrine and immunological diseases), sensory and emergency conditions.

A100 - Acupuncture Meridians and Pointology I

This is the first in a series of three courses that introduces the theories of acupuncture and moxibustion. Students will learn general composition, physiology and pathology and clinical application of Jingluo (channels and collaterals). Student will also study proportional body measurement methods, four-sea, root-branch, Qi collecting areas, special point groups, naming convention of acupuncture points, and detailed study of each Jingluo and the characteristics of its pertaining acupuncture points. In this course, Hand Taiyin Lung Channel, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Channel, and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points are introduced.

T100 - Principles of TCM

This course introduces basic theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that are essential to the study of all other subsequent TCM and acupuncture courses. This course covers history and development of TCM, basic theories of TCM (Yin Yang and Wu Xing), TCM physiology involving vital substances (such as essence, Qi, spirit, blood and body fluids) and Zangfu (internal organs), TCM etiology and pathogenesis, and general TCM principles of preventing and treating diseases.

W110 - Anatomy

This course teaches the structure and arrangement of gross surface features with special attention to the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, and genitourinary systems.